Kirsty Coventry, elected Thursday as the first woman to preside over the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has outlined the main objectives and priorities for her term as head of the world’s top sports body. The 41-year-old former Olympic swimmer from Zimbabwe, winner of seven Olympic medals, will officially take office on June 24, 2025, succeeding Thomas Bach, who led the IOC since 2013.
In her first speech as president-elect, Coventry highlighted her commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and innovation in the Olympic Movement. “Sport has the power to unite the world, and my goal is to ensure that the Olympic Games remain a symbol of hope, diversity and excellence,” she said.
Among his most prominent plans, Coventry stressed the importance of promoting gender equality at all levels of sport, from athlete participation to leadership positions in international federations and national committees. “It is critical that the IOC leads by example, ensuring that women have an equal opportunity to shine and contribute to the development of sport,” she said.
BOOSTING SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
Coventry also emphasized the need to make the Olympic Games more sustainable and accessible. She proposed measures to reduce the carbon footprint of Olympic events, including the use of green technologies, the optimization of existing infrastructure and the promotion of responsible practices among organizers and sponsors.
In addition, the new IOC president stressed the importance of connecting with new generations through technology and digital platforms, which is why she wants “young people to be inspired by Olympic values and to see sport as a tool to build a better future.”
SUPPORTING ATHLETES AND REINFORCING INTEGRITY
Another pillar of his mandate will be continued support for athletes, ensuring they have access to adequate resources for their development and well-being. Coventry also pledged to strengthen integrity in sport, fighting against doping, corruption and any form of discrimination: “Athletes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement, and we must ensure that they compete in a fair, safe and transparent environment.”
A LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE
Coventry, who has been an IOC member since 2013 and chaired the Athletes’ Commission, expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy that will strengthen the Olympic Movement for future generations. “My goal is to build on the achievements of my predecessors and lead the IOC into a new era of innovation, inclusion and sustainability.”
With these intentions, Kirsty Coventry marks the beginning of a mandate that promises to transform world sport with a modern and progressive vision.
